Q:
Can you suggest some interesting companion plants to hide the bare legs and shield the roots of my Oriental and Asiatic lilies? I garden in Zone 7, with no more than 5 hours of sun a day.
Sue Schilling, via email
Lilium 'Enchantment'.
Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Bloom
A:
Gary Keim, Indoor Display Specialist at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvaina, replies: The bulbs of Oriental and Asiatic lilies require moist, cool soil to flourish. Low and spreading companions planted at the feet of the lilies keep the soil cool, while the foliage of taller companions hide the lily’s unsightly ripening leaves in the fall. And lilies planted between shrubs or on their north sides can take advantage of the cooler, shady soil there.
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis), Anemone X hybrida, and Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ are wonderful perennials to plant at the lilies’ feet for sites in full sun, and all are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 4. Shrubs such as Caryopteris ‘Worcester Gold’ (Zone 7) and Cornus stolonifera ‘Silver and Gold’ (Zone 2) also fit the bill in full sun.
Gardening in part shade narrows the choices, but versatile shade-tolerant perennials like astilbe, snakeroot, and hosta provide a palette full of colors to match with lilies up to Zone 4. Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars (Zone 6) and Kerria japonica ‘Variegata’ (Zone 4) are perfect companion shrubs for lilies planted in part-shade gardens.
